New Resident Registration

Welcome to Montana — Your New Home!

Welcome to Montana! Our team at MVD Express is excited to welcome you to this area of the Rocky Mountain West and congratulate you on a successful move! We’re thrilled to have you as a brand new resident, and are here to remind you to complete your new resident registration!

Montana law says that all new residents must apply for a state vehicle title and register their vehicles within 60 days of moving. Whether you own a traditional car, a motorcycle, or an all-terrain vehicle, it’s essential to get this process started alongside the state motor vehicle department. Learn more about the requirements for Montana car registration and let MVD Express help you get started!

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Different Categories of Vehicle Registration

When it comes to getting your new resident registration taken care of, such vehicles are put into a few different categories. Light vehicles, as per the Montana Department of Justice, are considered passenger cars, sedans, vans, SUVs, and trucks that weigh less than one ton. Commercial and heavy vehicles, which can weigh over one ton; are subject to different fees and regulations.

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Montana Car Registration Costs

Short-Term v. Permanent Car Registration

Generally, a new light vehicle Montana car registration will last for one year; this means it will need to be renewed before too long. However, it is possible to permanently register your light vehicle if it is eleven years old or older. Permanent registration allows you to avoid renewal as long as ownership of the car does not change.

All trailers, street-legal motorcycles, street-legal quadricycles, and snowmobiles must be permanently registered according to Montana law. For new Montana residents that have commercial or heavy vehicles, registration must be completed annually.

Light Vehicle Registration Fees

When it comes to the cost of registering your vehicle, several factors come into play. The Montana Department of Justice reports that the age of your car, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), and the county of your residence can all determine the final fee. However, permanent car registration in Montana starts at about $90 for all light vehicles. Depending on which renewal drivers choose, the frees will differ:

  • 12-Month Registration: Fees include the standard Montana car registration rate as well as other taxes.
  • 24-Month Registration: Fees include the same standard Montana car registration rate and fees, minus the license fee for each 12-month period.
  • Permanent Registration: Fees include the standard rate, Montana Highway Patrol Salary and Retention Fee, county taxes, and insurance verification fee.
Registration Renewal

Completing Your Car Registration

Payment Guidelines for Car Registration in Montana

New Montana residents who need to register their vehicles can do so by visiting their local County Treasurer’s office, which will accept cash or check. Certain offices also accept credit or debit cards on an individual basis.

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Trust MVD Express Title & Registration to Help

Take care of all your vehicle registration needs with MVD Express! Our office locations in Billings and Missoula are here to provide you with the exact same services as the state motor vehicle department. Let us help you take care of your paperwork and fees, all in one convenient location!

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